Apparatuses and methods for an icebocce game

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for a game can include a first disk configured to slide on a court; a second disk; a jack configured to slide of the court, a measuring device, a scorecard, a signaling device, a court brush and/or a court scraper. The apparatus can be used to play icebocce.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/298,360 entitled “Apparatus and Method for an Icebocce Game” having a filing date of Feb. 22, 2016. The '360 application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to games and games equipment and, in particular, to games and games equipment suitable for play on an ice surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of sports and games involving the throwing, launching, firing or hitting of a ball or other projectile toward a target—the aim being to hit the target with the ball or projectile, or at least to cause the ball or projectile to land in close proximity to it. Bocce is an example of a game based on this principle. Curling is another example.

There are various types of bocce games, each having its own set of rules, and variations in the equipment used and the surfaces on which the game is played. For example, some bocce games are played on a dry, hard surface. Other bocce games are played on sand. Some bocce games are ball-throwing games in which the target is also a ball. In this respect, bocce has similarities to other games such as boules, British bowls, and French pétanque.

Curling is a game in which players slide projectiles (known as rocks) on a sheet of ice towards a target area comprising four concentric circles. Each team of players typically has eight rocks. The aim of the game is to accumulate the highest point score, points being awarded for rocks resting closest to the center of the target area.

Ice stock sport (also known as Bavarian curling) is a similar game in which players slide ice stocks over a sheet of ice (also known as an ice surface) either aiming for a target or to achieve the longest distance. Ice stock sport has been played since the 16^(th) century, and became an organized sport in the 1930s.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus for a game can include a first disk configured to slide on a court; a second disk; a jack configured to slide of the court, a measuring device, a scorecard, a signaling device, a court brush and/or a court scraper.

The disks can include a base and a handle couple to the base. In some embodiments, the disks are round. In some embodiments, the diameter of the base is approximately 165.1 millimeters. In some embodiments, the side of the base is tapered.

In some embodiments, the disk weighs approximately 56 oz. In some embodiments, the disk weighs approximately 48 oz. In some embodiments, the base is made of polyurethane fiber. In some embodiments, the base can be made of a urethane injected resin.

In certain embodiments, the disk includes a sliding ring.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a total of eight disks. In certain embodiments, the disks are divided into two groups that are visually distinct from each other. In some embodiments, the two groups of different disks are different colors such as red and blue.

In at least some embodiments, the court is made of ice.

In some embodiments, the jack can weigh between 5.5 and 6 oz. In certain embodiments, the jack is made of rubber.

In some embodiments, the measuring device includes a cup configured to fit over the jack and a rotatable locking measuring tape centered on the top of the cup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example standard icebocce court.

FIG. 2 is a table describing an example set of dimensions for a standard icebocce court.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example icebocce disk.

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of an icebocce disk.

FIG. 4B is a front cutaway view of an icebocce disk.

FIG. 4C is a side cutaway view of an icebocce disk.

FIG. 4D is a top view of an icebocce disk.

FIGS. 5A is a side cutaway view of the base of an icebocce disk.

FIGS. 5B is a top cutaway view of the base of an icebocce disk.

FIGS. 6A is a back cutaway view of the handle of an icebocce disk.

FIGS. 6B is a bottom cutaway view of the handle of an icebocce disk.

FIGS. 6C is a front cutaway view of the handle of an icebocce disk.

FIGS. 6D is a side cutaway view of the handle of an icebocce disk.

FIGS. 6E is a top view of the handle of an icebocce disk.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Glossary of Terms:

The following terms are used herein to describe the game, game equipment, and rules of the presently disclosed game.

Advantage—The team throwing the jack is said to have “jack advantage” because that team gets to place the jack where they want it on the court and have a clear shot to place the first disk.

Backboards—The shorter court walls at each end of the court. Sometimes called endboards or backwalls.

Banking—Throwing the disk such that it hits and bounces off the sideboards towards the jack.

Icebocce—Proper name of the game of Icebocce. It associates parts of Curling, Bocce, Burling, Ice Stock Sport known as Bavarian curling (Eisstockschiessen) and Shuffle Board.

Icebocce Disks—Eight small round/curved edged disks substantially 6½ inches (165.1 millimeters) in diameter×2½ inches (63.5 millimeters) in depth with a substantially 4 inch (101.6 millimeters) high handle attached to it weighing substantially 56 oz (1587.57 grains). They are slid toward a jack to score points. The disks are of 2 distinct colors, four each color. In some cases the disks are red and blue. Icebocce Disks are sometimes referred to as “Curls”. In some embodiments, the Icebocce Disks are substantially 6 9/16 inches (166.69 millimeters) in diameter×2½ inches (63.5 millimeters) in depth with a substantially 4 inch (101.6 millimeters) high handle attached to it weighing 48 oz (1360.78 grams).

Captain—The person on a team designated to coach and make team decisions during a game.

Coin-toss—The initial flip of a coin at the start of a game to determine which team throws the jack the first time and chooses the color of the team's disks.

Court—The rectangular playing area defined by a backboard at each end and two sideboards with a level and smooth playing surface.

Court Icebocce—A sport played on a standard court consisting of a rectangular playing area defined by a backboard at each end and two sideboards with a level and smooth playing surface.

Dead Disk—A dead disk is a disk removed from play during a frame for reasons defined in the game rules.

End Captain—The person designated by the captain to coach and make team decisions at their end of the court.

Footwear—Shoes with smooth soles, like sneakers, that will not damage the ice playing surface.

Foul—An act committed by a thrower that violates the game rules. A team/player is penalized as specified in the rules for committing a foul.

Forfeit—The action taken against a team that does not have at least 2 players to start a game at the designated start time or refuses to complete a game.

Frame—The playing of all the disks in one direction and the awarding of points. After points are awarded a new frame starts in the opposite direction. Frames are played until sufficient points are accumulated to win the game.

(red or blue) GO—Direction given by the referee to the team (red or blue) designated to throw the next disk.

Half Court Marker—A line marked on the sideboards/court surface halfway between the two backboards.

Hitting or Striking—A declared underhand bowling type hand throw directly at the disks on the court to purposely hit and move an opponent's disk or the jack. Sometimes called smashing, shooting, bombing, knocking, slamming, banging or pounding.

Hitting Foul Line—The second foul line marked on the sideboards/court surface 10 feet from each backboard behind which the disks thrown hard to hit and move other disks or the jack must be released. This allows for a running delivery to gain momentum on the disk. Sometimes called the striking, shooting, bombing, knocking, slamming, banging or pounding foul line.

Illegal Movement—A legally thrown disk is moved from its resting position by a player or referee.

In-bound Lines—Lines marked on the sideboards/backboards/court surface to define the 12 inch boundary for the initial jack throw.

In Team—The team who has the closest disk to the jack.

(red or blue) IN—Information given by the referee to the players as to which team (red or blue) has the “IN” disk.

Interference—A legally thrown disk is interfered with while moving by someone or something not on the playing surface before the throw.

Jack—A small hard rubber disc substantially 3 inches (76 millimeters) in diameter, 1 inch (25 millimeters) in depth and weighing substantially 6 oz (76 grains) used as a target disc for throwing the disks at. Sometimes referred to as “object jack”. The jack is sometimes referred to as the “Puck”.

Kiss—A term that describes the condition where the disk is touching the jack.

Lagging or Pointing—The underhand throwing action of a player to slid the disk as close to the jack as possible to score points. Throwing styles vary from player to player.

League—A league is a group of Icebocce teams playing a prescribed number of matches or games over a set period of time with records kept to determine a winning team.

Live Disk—A live disk is a disk legally in play on the surface of the court.

Measure—The act of measuring the distance between the jack and the disk to determine which team's disks are the closest to the jack.

No Point or Tie—This occurs when the closest disk of both teams are equidistant from the jack. The team delivering the last disk must throw again, or, if all disks have been played, no points are awarded for that frame.

Opponents—The two teams on the court who are competing against each other.

Out Team—The team that does not have the closest disk to the jack.

Puck—A small hard rubber disc used as a target disc for throwing the disks at. Sometimes referred to as “object puck” or jack.

Penalty—Action taken against a team or player for violating game rules.

Pointing or Lagging—The underhand throwing action of a player to slide the disk as close to the jack as possible to score points. Throwing styles vary from player to player.

Pointing Foul Line—The first foul line marked on the sideboards/court surface 6 feet from each backboard behind which the jack and disks slide point must be released. Sometimes called the lagging, throwing, pitch, tossing, lunching or fall foul line.

Referee—An independent official that enforces game rules, directs play, determines the “in team”, makes measurements, and determines team points for each frame.

Scoreboard—Numbers 1 through 12 arranged similar to a clock face with an arrow pointing to the score for the red or blue team. The scoreboard can be a single set of numbers with a red and blue arrow or a separate set of numbers for each color.

Sideboards—The longer court walls parallel to the direction of throwing.

Social Icebocce—Social Icebocce is a group of people getting together and forming temporary teams for the day to play the game but not in a scheduled league or tournament play.

Striking or Hitting—A declared underhand bowling type hard throw directly at the disks on the court to purposely hit and move an opponent's disk or the jack. Sometimes called smashing, shooting, bombing, knocking, slamming, banging or pounding.

Substitute—Extra players on the team or on the league roster that replace a regular player.

Team—A team on the court has 4 players maximum and 2 players minimum with each player throwing 2 to 4 disks. A team can have one or more substitute (alternate) players on the team.

Tournament—A tournament is a group of Icebocce Teams playing matches or games over a set period of time with losing teams being eliminated until a single winning team remains.

Volo—A high arcing throw of a disk in the air beyond the center line of the court. Volo shooting in court Icebocce is not permitted because of safety considerations and to prevent, or at least reduce, damage to the courts.

Icebocce General Play Description

This is a brief general description of how the game of Icebocce is played. For specific rules of play see the Standard Rules.

An icebocce game set is composed of at least two large icebocce disks (also called curls), at least one disk for each player or team of players. Typically, a standard icebocce game set comprises eight disks (typically four of one color and four of another color) and one smaller rubber disk called the jack (also known as a puck).

The game is played between two teams with typically 1 to 4 players on each team. The configuration depends on the number of player in each team. If there is only one player per team, then each player has four disks, and the players walk end to end. If there are two players per team, then the players play with four disks each with one player at each end, or the players play with two disks each and the players walk end to end. With three players per team, the game can be played with two disks each for two players at one end, and four disks for one player at the other end. With four players per team, the game can be played with two disks for each of two players at each end.

The object of the game is for a team to get as many of their disks as close to the jack as possible.

The match can begin with the flip of a coin between teams. In some embodiments, the winner of the coin flip has the first toss of the jack and chooses the color of the team's disks. A team member throws the jack and slides the first disk as close to the jack as possible. The rules require the jack to cross the centerline and be at least 12 inches away from the sideboards or the backboard, without hitting the backboard. If a thrower fails to do this, the jack throw goes to other team. If the second throw fails to place the jack into play, the jack is placed approximately in the center of the striking foul line at the opposite end of the court.

The original thrower of the jack throws the first disk. Next, a player of the opposing team slides a disk and tries to get closer to the jack. A team continues to slide their disks until it gets closer to the jack than the closest disk of their opponents.

Players deliver disks from behind the pointing foul line. Disks can be bounced or played against the sideboards. A disk hitting the backboard, without first touching the jack or another disk, is a dead disk and is removed from play.

While the object is to get close to the jack, it is permissible for a player to play the disk in order to knock away an opponent's disk. The rules require a player hitting or striking the opponent's disk to release the disk before crossing the striking foul line. Similarly, a player can play a disk so as to knock or move the jack toward another of their own team's disks. The jack is live anywhere on the court, except if it comes back behind the mid-court line, or is knocked out of the court, at which time the frame is dead, and play begins again at the opposite end.

When all disks have been played, a team is awarded one point for each disk closer to the jack than the closest disk of the opposing team. Thus, a team can score 1-4 points for each end of play. The other team scores no points. If the closest disk of each team is equal in distance from the jack, no points are awarded for the frame.

The team that scores in one frame starts the next frame by throwing out the jack and playing the first disk.

The game is won by the first team scoring a predetermined number of points, for example 12 points. The game ends when the final point is scored and the other team has played all four disks. In the event of a tie, the teams can continue to play until one team outscores the other team to end play.

If the teams play another game, the team members switch ends of the court, and the winning team throws out the jack and delivers the first disk.

Rules of the Game:

The following rules are Icebocce Court Standard Rules for League and Tournament play. Other rules can be used on other situations such as for Social Play. Rules can be varied and adjusted, added and removed according to the situation and the preferences of the participants.

Teams:

1. A team on the court has 4 players maximum (2 stationed at each end of the court) with each player throwing 2 disks. Players are not allowed to switch ends during a game. A team can have one or more substitute (alternate) players on the team. (For mixed teams a team on the court consists of 2 women maximum and 2 men maximum at all times.)

2. A team can play a match if only 2 or 3 players are present, however, no player is permitted to throw more than 2 disks (a penalty of 2 disks per missing player). A team without at least two players present at the scheduled game start time forfeits the game with zero points and the opponent is awarded 12 points.

3. A team designates one player as the team captain. The team captain participates in the coin toss and assigns players to their position on the court for the match. The team captain can designate a player as an “end captain” for the end opposite that of the captain. Only the team captain or an end captain can go on the court for measurements.

Coin Toss:

1. Begin the match with the flip of a coin between the captains of each team. The winner of the coin flip has the first toss of the jack and chooses the color of the team's disks.

2. If playing the same team in the next game, players switch ends between games and the winning team throws the jack to start next game (players can be replaced by substitutes, however, at least in some embodiments, a player never plays two consecutive games from the same end of the court). If playing a different team, play starts over with the coin toss and players can be reassigned as desired by the captain.

Jack Throw:

1. The jack is the first disk put into play and is thrown from behind the pointing foul line. The jack can be bounced off the sideboards.

2. The jack must end up across the center line and at least 12 inches away from the sideboards or backboard without hitting the backboard. If a thrower fails to do this, the throw goes to other team. If the second throw fails to place the jack into play, the jack is placed approximately in the center of the hitting foul line at the opposite end of the court in order to speed up play.

3. If a player throws jack and/or first disk when other team should throw the jack, the disks are returned and the frame starts over.

4. Once jack is in play, the jack can be knocked anywhere on the court except back over the center line or out of the court (frame ends, play resumes at opposite end, and same team throws the jack).

Disk Throws:

1. The initial jack thrower always throws the first disk. All disks are thrown underhand. If the first disk hits the backboard without hitting the jack first, the disk is removed and the team throws again until they have a disk in play.

2. Except for hitting, all disks are thrown from behind the pointing foul line. Any disk released behind the pointing foul line is considered a throw for points. Any disk released beyond the pointing foul line and before the hitting foul line is considered a throw to hit or strike other disks. Foul Line rules apply.

3. Each succeeding disk is thrown by the team that does NOT have the disk closest to the jack. A team whose disk ties the opponent's closest disk throws again. The “IN” team only throws if opponents have thrown all 4 disks. Team members can throw in any order.

4. Hitting or striking is permitted. A player first informs the official referee (or their opponent if there is no official referee) that they intend to go past the pointing foul line to deliver a “hit” or “strike” (a hard underhand throw directly at the disks on the court and released before crossing the hitting foul line for the purpose of moving the opponent's disks or the jack). The thrown disk is removed from play even if the disk doesn't hit another disk, the jack or the backboard. Foul Line rules apply.

5. Disks can be bounced off or played against sideboards.

6. A disk hitting the backboard without first touching the jack or another disk is a dead disk and is removed from play. Standard Penalty #1 applies.

7. If a player throws wrong color disk, it is replaced with a correct color disk after the disk comes to rest.

8. If a player throws when the other team should throw or throws more than 2 disks, that disk is removed from play. Standard Penalty #1 applies.

9. If a player throws when the other team should throw because of a miscall by the Referee, the disk is returned and the correct player throws. Standard Penalty #2 applies.

10. If a team's legally thrown disk is interfered with while moving by someone or something not on the playing surface before the throw, the disk is returned to be thrown again. If possible, any disks moved by the throw are reset to their approximate original position. If disks are sufficiently moved that the approximate original positions cannot be determined, the frame is replayed. However, if the interference is caused by a team member, the disk is removed from play. Standard Penalties #2 applies.

11. If a team's legally thrown disk is moved (accidentally or intentionally) from its resting position by an opposing player or referee before the points are determined and the end of the frame is declared, it is reset to its approximate original position. If the disk is sufficiently moved that the approximate original position cannot be determined, the offended team has the option to leave the disks as they lay or replay the frame.

12. If a team's legally thrown disk is moved from its resting position (accidentally or intentionally) by a team member, the disk is removed from play. Standard Penalty #1 applies.

13. The person(s) doing the measuring presses and rotates disks and the jack before measuring to mark their original position on the court surface. If a disk or jack is accidentally moved while measuring, it is replaced to its original marked position.

14. A disk, for whatever reason, that goes out of the court is a dead disk and is removed from play for that frame.

15. If a disk rolls over while in motion, or comes to rest on its side or top, the disk is removed from play. Standard Penalty #1 applies.

16. If a disk is broken in play, the teams use the “Spirt of Icebocce” to decide where the disk(s) should be placed. If agreement cannot be reached, the end will be replayed.

17. Should a handle completely separate from a disk during delivery, the delivering player has the option of either allowing the play to stand, or of redelivering the disk after any displaced disks have been replaced to their positions prior to the incident taking place.

18. Volo shooting (lofting the disk in the air beyond the center line of the court) is not permitted.

Foul Lines:

1. Pointing and Hitting foul lines must be clearly marked across the playing surface for foul line violations to be officially called and penalties applied.

2. Players can step on but not over the proper foul line before releasing the jack or a disk. (Toe of foot cannot exceed the width of the foul line mark.)

3. If a player's toe exceeds the width of the proper foul line before releasing a disk (Icebocce disk or jack), they will receive one warning. Subsequent fouls will result in nullifying the jack throw or removal of the thrown disk from play. Standard Penalty #1 apply.

Standard Penalties:

1. For the violation of any rule that requires the removal of a disk from play, that disk is immediately removed from play until that frame has been completed. In at least some embodiments, the violation must be called and the disk removed before the next disk is thrown. If the disk is not removed before the next disk is played, the disk remains in play for the rest of the frame.

2. If possible, any disks moved because of the action of the violation disk are reset to their approximate original position. If disks are sufficiently moved that the approximate original positions cannot be determined, the opposing team has the option to leave the disks as they lay or replay the frame.

Scoring:

1. The official score for frame is determined after all 8 disks have been played and measured to the captains' satisfaction. One point is awarded for each disk of a team that is closer to the jack than the opponent's closest disk (1 to 4 points).

2. The team that scores in the last frame throws the jack in the next frame and play continues as above.

3. If each team's closest disks are tied, no score is made and play continues at the opposite end with the team scoring the point(s) in the previous frame delivering the jack.

4. The team that first scores 12 points, wins the game.

5. Matches are determined by the league or tournament and can be by games won, 2 out of 3 games, 3 out of 5 games, etc. A typical match is 3 games.

Substitution:

1. It is the responsibility of each team player to obtain a substitute and notify the Team Captain if they cannot play a scheduled game.

2. Substitutes must be extra players on the team or on the League Substitute Roster. A team player who is playing a scheduled game that week cannot substitute on another team. (Optional: Team players that are not scheduled to play in a given period can be used for substitutes if the roster substitutes are not available).

3. Substitutions can only be made between games or between frames. A late arriving missing player or substitute can enter the game in a vacant position at any time between frames.

4. A team with 4 players on the court can make up to four substitutions between games but only one substitution during a game. A player replaced during a game cannot reenter that game or the next game.

Team Captains:

1. The team captain participates in the coin toss and assigns players to their position on the court.

2. The team captain can designate a player as an “end captain” for the end opposite that of the captain.

3. Only the team captain or an end captain can go on the court for measurements. A captain can observe and call for measurements to determine the official score for a frame.

4. A captain can approach on the sideline outside the court and observe the positions of disks in play. A captain after observing the disks, must return behind the pointing foul line and can only use hand signals to instruct partners at opposite end of court.

5. Only the captain or a designated player from each team (a total of two players) shall return disks for the next frame after points have been determined.

6. The team captain is responsible for assuring that the team's points are posted correctly and for reporting final game scores to the record keeper.

Team Players:

1. Players must remain behind the hitting foul line at all times except the thrower can go out to the center line just prior to throwing to observe the position of disks on the court.

2. Players can request an “IN” count or a measurement at any time. An “IN” count is not official until all 8 disks have been played and necessary measurements made.

3. Players can converse with one another but only with players on their end of the court. Only hand signals can be used with players at the opposite end of the court.

4. Players shall not talk to or interfere with a thrower on the court prior to the release of the disk. When the thrower is on the court, all other players must be off the court.

5. No player can go up to the disks and instruct a team player how or where to throw the disk.

6. Player practice after the game start time is limited to one complete frame in each direction.

7. To preserve the condition of the ice court, players shall minimize walking on the court and not wear ripple or spiked sole shoes.

Official Referees (typically used in sanctioned tournaments):

1. Referees shall be qualified Icebocce experts and fully knowledgeable of the league/tournament rules.

2. Referees shall have a copy and enforce game rules.

3. All “IN” determinations and measurements are made by the Referee. (Measurements can be made with devices that reliably and repeatedly indicate the difference between the measurements.)

4. The referee determines the points for each frame and reports the point score to score keepers.

5. The referee shall not give advice to either team or coach players as to where to direct their throw.

6. The referee has the final word in disputes and documents formal objections/protests for future action by the club/league/tournament committee.

Formal objections/protests must be made by the team captain before the next disk is played.

7. A referee for valid reasons can allow a time-out up to 10 minutes maximum.

8. The official referee has the option, after one or more warnings to the player and team captain, to eject a player for continued rule violations, arguing, or disrupting play.

Team Play without Official Referees:

1. Team Captain assigns team members to each end of court. Team Captain appoints one of the team members at the opposite end of the court to be the ‘End Captain’ for that end. The Team Captain is the ‘End Captain’ for their end of the court.

2. The End Captain determines who throws and in what order for the team members on their end of the court.

3. The End Captain of each team at the non-throwing end of the court stand at the side of the court near the jack and serve as the referees (Official Referee rules apply). If they agree on the ‘IN’ color they notify the other end of which color should throw. If they disagree, they measure and then notify the other end of which color should throw. The same procedure applies to determining the point count.

The End Captains report the point score to scorekeepers.

4. The End Captains are the only 2 people allowed on the court to make measurements, determine points, and return disks. All other players must remain behind the end backboards at these times.

5. The End Captains refereeing cannot verbally coach their team members on the throwing end, however, they can give hand signals but only from the side of the court. They can respond on the court to a thrower's question as to which disks are ‘IN’.

Local Rules:

1. Due to specific local conditions, a club, league, or tournament can add additional local environmental rules relative to safety, behaviors, equipment use, court grooming, noise, footwear, dress, uniforms, etc.

2. Due to specific local conditions, a league or tournament can add additional local operational rules relative to officials, protests, non-playing captains/coaches, spectators, records, scorecards, tie-breakers, missing players, substitutions, breaks/time-outs, weather delays, delay-of-game, etc.

Icebocce Court

Icebocce can be played on a court. In some versions of the game, icebocce is played on a standard court size. A standardized playing surface and dimensions can be beneficial for achieving consistency. It can be preferable to use the standard court surface and size when building new courts or updating existing courts.

Court lengths can be found to vary from, for example, 60 feet to 100 feet with a variety of playing surfaces. The standard dimensions encompass most existing courts; new courts should use the preferred dimensions. The most important standard is the playing surface to make playing consistent from one court to another. Standardized courts can be beneficial in elevating the game of icebocce to the level of other major sports.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example standard icebocce court.

FIG. 2 is a table describing an example set of dimensions for a standard icebocce court.

Icebocce court materials and construction can also be standardized. With reference to the sideboards and backboards, the sideboards can extend a minimum of 2 inches above the playing surface, for example, and be sufficiently supported, or have a hard plastic/rubber bumper along the sideboards so that a disk hitting the sideboards at an angle greater than 30 degrees will consistently bank off the sideboards. The backboard can be a rigid wood, concrete or plastic with a minimum of 6 inches above playing surface, for example.

The courts are generally designed to be level, or at least close enough to level so as not to affect the playing of the game. Courts generally comprise a sheet of ice as the playing surface. Other courts can made using other suitable materials, such as synthetic plastic, as the playing surface.

With reference to paint markings, the sideboards and backboards can be painted (preferable white). Easily visible vertical lines 2 inches wide can be painted on the sideboards to indicate the location of the foul lines and center line. Vertical lines 1 inch wide can be painted on the sideboards and backboards to indicate the 12-inch lines for the initial jack throw.

Icebocce Equipment

Standardizing equipment for use in the game of icebocce can be beneficial in elevating the game to the level of other major sports, such as curling.

Icebocce Disk:

An icebocce game set comprises at least two round/curved edged disks with throwing handles. A standard icebocce game set typically comprises eight disks. A first set of four disks are typically assigned to one team, and a second set of four disks are assigned to another team. Each set of disks is usually visually differentiable from the other sets. In icebocce, there is typically a set of four red disks and a set of four blue disks.

The disk comprises a base and a handle. It is desirable, for fairness and consistency, that the disks are at least approximately the same size, weight, and material. One approach (known as the World Icebocce Association (WIA) standard) uses disks having a base of diameter 6 9/16″ (166.69 millimeter) and depth of 2½″ (63.5 millimeter) with a 4″ (101.6 millimeter) tall handle that is attached using a tee nut and carriage bolt, the disk having a weight of approximately 48 oz (1360.78 g).

A suitable manufacturing specification for the disk can include a base diameter of 166.69+/−1.27 mm, and a weight of 1360.78+/−10 g.

The base can be constructed from a polyurethane fiber casted resin mixture. The base can comprise a ⅜″ 4-prong stainless steel tee nut, for example. The handle can be constructed from a material comprising 10% fiberglass in a polycarbonate plastic. In some embodiments, the handle can be made out of a urethane pressured foam. In some embodiments, the handle can be made out of wood. The handle can comprise a ¾″ long ⅜″ stainless steel carriage bolt, the bolt inserted into the handle body with the thread of the bolt protruding from the handle body.

The handle can be designed to balance in a player's hand for ease of sliding or curling the disk towards an opposite's disk, the jack, or an area of the court to make a block.

FIG. 3 is a side view of an example icebocce disk 300.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are line drawings illustrating an icebocce disk 400.

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of icebocce disk 400 which includes sliding ring 440 that reduces friction and assists the disk in curling when spun.

FIG. 4B is a front cutaway view of icebocce disk 400. It shows screw 430, base 410, nut 435, and handle 420.

FIG. 4C is a side cutaway view of icebocce disk 400 which shows the balance point 450 where entire disk balances on the player's index finger for easy of throwing the icebocce disk.

FIG. 4D is a top view of icebocce disk 400.

FIGS. 5A, and 5B are line drawings illustrating the base of icebocce disk 400 of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D.

FIG. 5A is a side cutaway view of base 410 of icebocce disk 400. In some embodiments, base 410 has rounded coursers 490 to create a sliding effect. In some embodiments, bottom face 460 of base 410 is tapered to reduce friction. In some embodiments, bottom face 460 of base 410 is concaved to reduce friction and create sliding ring 440. In some embodiments, the side of base 410 is tapered to create bumping point 480. In certain embodiments, base 410 includes nut 435 that in conjunction with screw 430 attached handle 420 to base 410.

In some embodiments, the top of the base can be beveled up 3/32″ and the handle can be cupped to match the base. This allows the resin to channel air away from the edges of the base and move it to the center.

FIG. 5B is a cutaway view of the underside of base 410 of icebocce disk 400.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, and 6E are line drawings illustrating the handle of icebocce disk 400 of FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. FIG. 6A is a rear view of the handle of icebocce disk 400. FIG. 6B is a view of the underside of the handle of icebocce disk 400. FIG. 6C is a front view of the handle of icebocce disk 400. FIG. 6D is a side view of the handle of icebocce disk 400. FIG. 6E is a top view of the handle of icebocce disk 400.

Jack:

The jack can comprise a small hard rubber disk of contrasting color (black). The jack is used as the target. A tournament grade jack is 1″ (25 mm) thick, 3″ (76 mm) in diameter, and a weight between 5.5 and 6 ounces (156 and 170 g). The jack size can vary, and, since it has less effect on play, there is less need for standardization of size, weight, and material, for example. The jack can be constructed using hard rubber composite materials, similar to material used in an ice hockey puck, for example.

Score Board:

Numbers 1 through 12 can be arranged similar to a clock face with an arrow pointing to the score for the red or blue team. The scoreboard can be a single set of numbers with a red and blue arrow or a set of numbers for each color, for example. The numbers can be a minimum of at least 2″ high in a circle with a minimum 12″ diameter. It is advantageous if the scoreboard is readable from both ends of the court. The scoreboard can comprise plastic, wood, metal, or other suitable material.

Measuring Devices

A measuring device can be used to determine, repeatably and accurately, the difference between the distances of disks from the jack. Example measuring devices include an icebocce cup measurer, measuring tape, and a measuring rod.

In some embodiments, the icebocce cup measurer is a small cup-like device that fits over the jack, and has a rotatable locking tape measure centered on top of the cup. The cup inside diameter is typically between 1/16″ and ⅛″ larger than the jack diameter at the top of the cup, and tapered to the jack diameter at the bottom of the cup. The inside depth of the cup is typically ½″ larger than the jack diameter. The cup can comprise a plastic or metallic cup, and standard measuring tape between approximately 12 feet and 25 feet in length.

In some embodiments, the measuring tape can be a standard retractable, and (optionally) locking, measuring tape. Some types come with attached calipers. The tape is typically between 12 feet long and 25 feet long, and can comprise a metal tape in a plastic or metal housing.

In some embodiments, the measuring rod is a telescoping pocket rod used to measure short distances. Some types come with attached calipers. The rod is typically at least 6″ long and expands to at least 24″. The rod can be made from metal, plastic, or other suitable material.

Signaling Devices:

A signaling device can be used by the referee to signal clearly to the players at the throwing end which color is “in”, or which color throws next. Examples of signaling devices include the referee paddle, and the referee flags.

In some embodiments, the referee paddle is a round paddle colored red on one side and blue on the other side. It is approximately the same size as a paddle-ball paddle or a ping-pong paddle, and can be made using wood, plastic, or other suitable material.

The referee flags can comprise a red flag and a blue flag. The flags are each typically at least 6″ by 6″ in dimension, and can be made from cloth, plastic, or other suitable material.

Court Brush:

In some embodiments, a court brush with long handles can be used to drag the court to smooth the surface of the ice. The width of the brush can be more than half the court width, and can be constructed using stiff horse hair or synthetic fibers, approximately 3 to 5 inches long, for example.

Court Scraper:

In some embodiments, a court scraper has a long handle, a wide blade, and is smooth along one edge, and serrated on the other edge. The court scraper can be used to loosen high spots, move material around, and smooth the court. The width of the blade is typically between 2 feet and 4 feet. The blade can be made from metal, for example.

Particular elements and the configuration of those elements of the present invention as described in the above embodiments can be incorporated into games and games equipment in other suitable combinations or arrangements, for example to suit particular applications.

While particular elements, embodiments, and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood, that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for a game, said apparatus comprising: a. a first disk configured to slide on a court comprising: i. a base; and ii. a handle coupled to said base b. a second disk; c. a jack configured to slide on said court; and d. a measuring device configured to measure a distance between said first disk and said jack.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first disk is round.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: e. a set of six additional disks.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first disk and said second disk contain a first visual indicator and a second visual indicator wherein said first visual indicator and said second visual indicator are different from each other.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first visual indicator and said second visual indicator are a first color and a second color, respectfully.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said first color is red and said second color is blue.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base has a diameter of approximately 166.69 millimeters.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first disk has a weight of approximately 48 oz.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said base is made of polyurethane fiber.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first disk includes a sliding ring.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the side of said base is tapered.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said jack has a weight between 5.5 and 6 oz.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said jack is made of rubber.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: e. a score board.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said measuring device comprises: i. a cup configured to fit over said jack; and ii. a rotatable locking measuring tape centered on the top of said cup.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: e. a signaling device.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: e. a court brush.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: e. a court scrapper.
 19. A method of playing a game, said method comprising: a. forming a first and a second team, each team comprising at least one player; b. distributing a first set of disks to said first team, and a second set of disks to said second team, each disk configured to slide on an ice surface; c. sliding a jack by a first player on said first team; d. playing a first disk taken from said first set of disks by said first player by sliding said first disk on said ice surface towards said jack; e. playing a second disk taken from said second set of disks by a second player on said second team by sliding said second disk on said ice surface; f. determining whether said second disk is closer to said jack than said first disk; g. upon determining said second disk is closer to said jack than said first disk, sliding a third disk taken from said second set of disks by said second player; i. determining whether all the disks from said first and said second sets of disks have been played; j. upon determining all the disks have been played, determining whether a disk taken from said first set of disks is closest to said jack; and j. upon determining a disk taken from said first set of disks is closest to said jack, awarding a point to said first team for each disk of said first set of disks closer to said jack than any disks of said second set of disks. 